S
Signal Word
Definition
A signal word is the bold, capitalised word that introduces a Proposition 65 warning. Under Title 27 CCR safe harbour warning regulations, the required signal word is ‘WARNING:’ The December 2024 amendments (effective January 1, 2025) added two alternative signal words that may also be used: ‘CA WARNING:’ and ‘CALIFORNIA WARNING:’ The addition of these alternatives allows businesses to indicate more clearly that the warning is specific to California law, which may help consumers and customers understand why a California-specific warning appears. The signal word must appear in all capital letters and bold print, and must be preceded by the Proposition 65 warning symbol.
Source
Title 27 CCR §25603 (signal word requirements); OEHHA December 2024 amendments (effective January 1, 2025) adding ‘CA WARNING’ and ‘CALIFORNIA WARNING’ options.
Practical Explanation (Compliance Context)
The addition of ‘CA WARNING’ and ‘CALIFORNIA WARNING’ as alternative signal words gives businesses more flexibility in their warning language. For products sold nationally (not only in California), using ‘CA WARNING’ or ‘CALIFORNIA WARNING’ makes the California-specific nature of the warning explicit, which may reduce consumer confusion about why a warning appears on products not required to be labeled in other states. Businesses should consider which signal word best fits their product and labeling strategy while meeting the bold, all-capital-letter requirements.